Air Fryer Churros Recipe
I’m so excited to share this Air Fryer Churros Recipe with you because it’s basically the perfect way to enjoy a classic treat in a lighter, less messy form. I’ve made churros countless times in a deep fryer, and yes, they’re delicious, but air frying them gives you that crispy, golden outside and soft inside without the oil splatter or the guilt. Plus, it’s wonderfully easy and quick – making it a fantastic dessert or snack for when you want something sweet but don’t want to spend forever in the kitchen.
What I love about this Air Fryer Churros Recipe is how well it fits into busy days or casual get-togethers. The dough is simple to whip up, and the hour chill time gives you a nice break without feeling like the recipe drags on. When you’re ready, just pipe, air fry, and toss in cinnamon sugar – and voilà! You’ve got warm, addictive churros that you can dip in Nutella or any chocolate sauce you love. Trust me, once you try this method, traditional deep frying will be a thing of the past.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Healthier & Less Messy: Air frying means less oil and no greasy cleanup compared to deep frying.
- Great Texture: Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, just like traditional churros.
- Simple Ingredients: You probably already have everything in your pantry.
- Perfect Anytime Treat: Great for last-minute dessert, snacks, or parties – quick and crowd-pleasing.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Air Fryer Churros Recipe plays a role in getting that perfect crispy exterior and fluffy inside. The combination is straightforward, and it’s always fun to see how simple pantry staples transform into something magical.
- Water: The hot water helps hydrate the flour and melt the butter evenly to form the dough.
- Unsalted Butter: I recommend unsalted so you can control the salt level; it adds richness and moisture.
- Granulated Sugar: Used both in the dough and in the cinnamon sugar coating to balance sweetness.
- Salt: Just a pinch to enhance the dough’s flavor.
- All-Purpose Flour: The base of the dough; make sure it’s fresh for best texture.
- Large Eggs: They bind everything together and add softness to the interior.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds subtle warmth and depth to the dough’s flavor.
- Oil Spray: Essential for greasing the silicone mat and spritzing the churros before air frying.
- Ground Cinnamon: Combined with sugar to make the irresistible coating.
Variations
I love tweaking this Air Fryer Churros Recipe depending on my mood or who I’m sharing with. It’s super easy to make it your own by adjusting flavors or adding fun twists, so don’t be shy about experimenting to find your favorite version.
- Chocolate Churros: Add a tablespoon of cocoa powder to the dough for a rich chocolate flavor—I did this once for a movie night, and everyone went nuts!
- Spicy Cinnamon: Mix a pinch of cayenne or chili powder into the cinnamon sugar for a subtle kick, perfect when you want something with a bit of warmth.
- Gluten-Free: Swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend that’s one-to-one for baking, just make sure your blend includes xanthan gum for texture.
- Dipping Sauces: Personalize with different dips like caramel, strawberry sauce, or even dulce de leche for unique flavor combos.
How to Make Air Fryer Churros Recipe
Step 1: Make the Dough
Start by combining water, butter, sugar, and salt in a medium saucepan. Heat it over medium-high until it reaches a boil—this is where the magic begins. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and add your flour all at once. Stir vigorously with a rubber spatula to make sure the dough comes together smoothly and pulls away from the sides, usually about 2-3 minutes.
I learned that this step is key for the perfect churro texture—don’t rush it or you’ll end up with a dough that’s too wet or too dry. The goal is a smooth, slightly sticky dough that’s easy to work with.
Step 2: Cool and Add Eggs
Transfer the dough to a mixing bowl and let it cool for about 4 minutes—just enough to not scramble the eggs when you add them. Then, add your eggs one at a time along with vanilla extract, mixing with an electric hand mixer or stand mixer. You’ll notice the dough will look thick and gluey, like mashed potatoes, and that’s exactly right.
If you see any lumps, don’t sweat it—use your hands to bring it together into one smooth ball. This tactile step really helped me get a feel for the dough’s consistency and was surprisingly satisfying!
Step 3: Pipe and Chill
Fit a large star-shaped tip onto a piping bag—this gives the churros their classic ridged look. Pipe the dough onto a greased silicone baking mat in 4-inch lengths, then snip the ends with scissors. This is where the chill time comes in handy; refrigerate the piped churros for about an hour. Trust me, this step makes them hold their shape better during air frying and gives a better texture.
Step 4: Air Fry to Perfection
Carefully transfer the churros to your air fryer basket, leaving at least half an inch space between them so the hot air can circulate properly. Spray them with oil spray to help them crisp up beautifully. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook in batches. Air fry at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, or until they turn golden brown. Keep an eye on them towards the end – every air fryer is a bit different, so you want them crispy but not burnt.
Step 5: Cinnamon-Sugar Coating
Mix granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a shallow bowl. As soon as the churros come out of the air fryer, toss them in the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat evenly. This step is my favorite—the warm churros soak up the sugar and cinnamon beautifully, making every bite irresistible. Serve them warm with your favorite dipping sauce like Nutella, and watch them disappear fast!
Pro Tips for Making Air Fryer Churros Recipe
- Use a Star Tip: The classic churro texture comes from piping with a large star tip, so don’t skip this if you want that authentic look and crisp edges.
- Don’t Skip Chill Time: Refrigerating the piped dough helps it hold shape and gives you a more even and crisp finish.
- Space Things Out: Give the churros space in your air fryer basket to let the hot air crisp all sides evenly—crowding leads to soggy bits.
- Spray Lightly but Evenly: The light oil spray before air frying promotes crispness; too much, and you lose that crunchy surprise.
How to Serve Air Fryer Churros Recipe
Garnishes
I usually keep it simple with just the classic cinnamon sugar coating because it’s such a crowd favorite. But sometimes, I add a dusting of powdered sugar for a pretty finish or a drizzle of chocolate sauce on top if I’m feeling fancy. Fresh berries on the side can also brighten up the dish and add a nice contrast.
Side Dishes
Air fryer churros pair beautifully with almost any dipping sauce—Nutella is my go-to, but a simple chocolate ganache or warm caramel sauce can really elevate the experience. I also enjoy serving these alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert spread.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I love piping churros directly onto long platters lined with parchment and arranging mini dipping bowls with a variety of sauces—think salted caramel, raspberry coulis, or even peanut butter dip. Wrapping a few churros with a colorful ribbon makes a charming edible gift, especially for parties or holidays.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I like to store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a day since they’re best fresh. If I have a larger batch, I’ll refrigerate them but always try to reheat quickly to preserve crispness.
Freezing
I’ve frozen both piped dough (before frying) and cooked churros. The cooked ones freeze well if laid flat on a baking sheet first, then transferred to a freezer bag for up to a month. When you’re ready, reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes to regain crispness.
Reheating
To bring leftover churros back to life, I pop them in the air fryer for 3-5 minutes at 350°F. This refreshes their crunchiness without drying them out, much better than a microwave, which makes them soggy.
FAQs
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Can I make this Air Fryer Churros Recipe without a piping bag?
While a piping bag with a star tip gives the churros their signature ridged texture, you can technically shape the dough into logs by hand. However, without piping, the churros won’t have the same crisp edges and classic look, so I definitely recommend using a piping bag for best results.
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What if I don’t have a silicone baking mat?
If you don’t have a silicone mat, parchment paper works well for piping the dough before chilling. Just lightly spray the parchment with oil to prevent sticking. Avoid wax paper, as it doesn’t hold up well to moisture and might tear.
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Can I skip the resting time before air frying?
The resting/chilling step is important because it helps the churros hold their shape and results in a better texture. Skipping this might cause the dough to flatten or spread out too much in the air fryer. If you’re pressed for time, try to chill at least 30 minutes to see some improvement.
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How do I know when the churros are done in the air fryer?
Look for a golden brown color and crispy exterior. Typically, the churros take 10-12 minutes at 375°F, but check after 10 minutes and watch closely—overcooking can dry them out, so pull them out as soon as they’re evenly browned.
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What dipping sauces go best with air fryer churros?
Traditional chocolate or Nutella dips are always a hit. You can also try caramel sauce, dulce de leche, or fruit-based sauces like raspberry or strawberry coulis. For a fun twist, peanut butter or salted caramel are wonderful too!
Final Thoughts
This Air Fryer Churros Recipe holds such a special place in my kitchen because it brings the joy of homemade churros without the fuss or mess of frying. I love how approachable it is—you don’t have to be a pro baker to nail these. I really hope you’ll give them a try, especially when you’re craving that perfect bite of crispy, cinnamon-sugary goodness paired with your favorite dip. It’s a cozy, satisfying treat that’s just as fun to make as it is to eat, and I’m sure you’ll enjoy it as much as I do!
PrintAir Fryer Churros Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 22 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Spanish
Description
These Air Fryer Churros are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, coated with a cinnamon-sugar mixture for a perfect sweet treat. Made using an air fryer, they are a healthier, less oily alternative to traditional fried churros, perfect for dessert or snack time.
Ingredients
Churro Dough
- 1 cup water
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, cut into cubes
- 2 Tbsp granulated sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Oil spray
Cinnamon-Sugar Coating
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Prepare the baking surface: Place a silicone baking mat on a baking sheet and spray it lightly with oil spray. This will prevent the churros from sticking during piping and resting.
- Make the dough base: In a medium saucepan, combine water, unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and salt. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, ensuring the butter is completely melted and the mixture is hot.
- Add flour and cook the dough: Lower the heat to medium-low and quickly add the flour to the saucepan. Stir constantly with a rubber spatula until the mixture forms a smooth dough that pulls away from the sides of the pan.
- Cool the dough: Remove the saucepan from heat and transfer the dough to a mixing bowl. Let it cool for about 4 minutes so it softens enough for eggs to be added without cooking them.
- Incorporate eggs and vanilla: Using an electric hand mixer or stand mixer, add the eggs one at a time along with vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly after each addition. The dough will become thick and sticky, resembling gluey mashed potatoes. Press any lumps to form a smooth ball.
- Pipe the churros: Transfer the dough to a large piping bag fitted with a large star-shaped tip. Pipe 4-inch lengths of dough onto the prepared silicone mat and cut the dough with scissors after each churro to prevent sticking.
- Refrigerate the piped churros: Place the baking sheet with the piped churros into the refrigerator and chill for 1 hour. This helps the churros hold their shape during air frying.
- Air fry the churros: Carefully transfer the churros to the air fryer basket using a cookie spatula, spacing them about 1/2 inch apart to allow airflow. Lightly spray the churros with oil spray. Depending on your air fryer size, you may need to cook in batches.
- Cook until golden: Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes until the churros are golden brown and cooked through.
- Coat with cinnamon sugar: While the churros are cooking, combine granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a shallow bowl. Once churros are ready, immediately toss them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture to coat evenly.
- Serve warm: Serve the churros warm with your favorite dipping sauces such as Nutella or chocolate sauce for a delightful treat.
Notes
- Refrigerating the piped churros before air frying helps them keep their shape and results in a better texture.
- Use a large star-shaped piping tip to create the classic churro ridges that help hold the cinnamon-sugar coating.
- If you don’t have an air fryer, these churros can be deep-fried in oil until golden brown, though the texture will differ.
- Spraying oil before air frying improves browning and helps achieve a crisp exterior.
- Serve churros immediately after coating with cinnamon sugar for the best taste and texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 churro (approximate)
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 55mg